As Parliament reconvenes, the Sustainable Jobs Act must be a priority

graphic showing reducing CO2 emissions

January 24 2024

In December, Bill C-50, the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, passed through the House of Commons’ natural resources committee. This legislation is a critical first step towards ensuring a Just Transition for workers and communities as we take action on climate change and move to a low-carbon economy.

All workers will be impacted by the transition to a low-carbon economy, whether they work in the energy and resource sectors, or in areas like health care, social services, retail, or food services, which will be impacted by a major transition in any community. This legislation will be an important first step in ensuring that we minimize the hardships from this transition and maximize the potential benefits that can come with the transition to a greener, more equitable economy.

Conservatives have tried to delay this legislation and block it from being discussed at the committee. This is not in the interest of working people, their families, or communities. It only serves to delay legislation urgently needed to support Canada’s ability to develop the plans and programs workers and communities need.

Bill C-50 will go back to the House of Commons for third reading when it reconvenes later at the end of January. Then it will go to the Senate to be studied. This bill must be a priority, and it must only be strengthened, not watered down.

Thanks to workers and allies in the environmental movement, we are delivering this message to our elected representatives. We must continue to take action and keep up the pressure as the bill continues its way through Parliament.

NUPGE is monitoring Bill C-50 and working with our members and allies to ensure we get the strong legislation we need to support a Just Transition for workers and all our communities.

Write to your MP using our template letter.

Learn more about Just Transition on our Resources page.